#rivervale_lodge

She nods. "As we want to avoid any further misunderstandings of the type that have already occured."

"Let us discuss this more before you respond."

A nod, and the two go off to work on the ..nuances.

(End Scene)

Sally Mae packs her bags, just about everything she can stuff into them that's hers

"SallyMae?" Kerri notices her bustling around. "Off somewhere?"

"Oh Hearth, thank goodness. I have to get back to the farm. Agnes had a heart attack."

"Agnes had WHAT?"

Kerri looks stunned. "Is she...how is she?"

"She heard I was dating a sidhe, and had a heart attack" The normally skilled Kinian's hands shake a bit

"She's alive...laid out, weak as a kitten"

"Wait...wait...SallyMae, sit down." She takes those shaking hands in her own. "Just for a moment. Catch your breath."

She does "I.I can't, nto for long. they need me. Marsellis is handling Darkgate, they need someone to act as Hearth while she's down... and I .. they know, so now I have to face them too, but first I have to help them."

A deep breath as she squeezes her hands reassuringly. "Okay, you've got your priorities right. And I know your family is tough, but they've learned to adapt to a lot over the last few years. I'm...surprised about Agnes. But...well..." A pause. "Oh, SallyMae, I hate the idea of sending you into that situation on your own."

A breath "Kerri, you can't go with me. You're.. you know very well THIS place would fall apart with out you. "

"Well, without one of us, at least. Though Brogan is learning. But...no...I should be here. But will you promise me you'll call and let me know what's happening?" A thought. "I'll have Sylvi follow you, to check on you and offer help from us if it's needed."

"Oh, Sylvi has a life of her own, ..." A pause "oh goodness, but we DO have to tell her. She's an honorary DeBuke"

"Exactly. If you want to go, I can tell her. She'll be right along, I'm sure of it."

"If you insist but ..she has her own life." A mutter "one of us should have a right to her own life"

"I'm sure I won't be doing any insisting. I doubt I'll be able to hold her back. Okay, now..." another hand squeeze. "Deep breath..."

It's pretty clear the kinain IS shaken, with guilt and resentment at war, but she takes a deep breath

"...and exhale..."

And she exhales

"...and go help your family." Reassuring, calm tone. She lets go of SallyMae's hands.

Sally Mae seems calmer, or at least more focused, "Right. " She grabs her bags, quite a load for one who isn't a true troll but she handles them without complaint "Could you open the door for me , please?"

"Of course." She gets the door. "Anything in particular you want me to send along with Sylvi?"

"Zoloft?" A shake of her head "No no , they'll have all we need food and supply wise. Oh, that package of walnuts came in so walnut butter could be made for those with peanut allergies .. you told Anne Marie you might be able to make some? I'm sorry I won't be here to help"

Kerri grins and nods. "Got it covered. Go on, now."

She nods "thank you. For everything. " And through the door she goes.

Kerri sends her off with a reassuring expression. But that expression fades as she turns to go upstairs to tell Sylvi the news.

(End Scene)